"In veterinary science it's often referred to as the 'silvering gene', where animals are born with white or very pale fur and, just like baby teeth, they eventually shed their baby fur and the regular adult coloration comes through," said Dr Rosie Booth, Director of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.

She is the first white koala to be born in Queensland's Australia Zoo, although she is one 12 born this season.

The zoo says the animal’s white fur may not last forever. Experts also say koalas of lighter color may have difficulty surviving in the wild.